Editor’s Note: Todd Walter and I (Matt Palmer) recently had the pleasure of catching up with dear friends and clients, Laura and Gordon Troup. Busy with travel and family, they also are finding time to get involved with organizations they care deeply about. We invited Laura to share more about three organizations she is passionate about – enjoy learning about her motivations behind supporting these three and what each is doing to make our central Ohio community a better place to live and work.

Matt: Laura, we love how you and Gordon have pushed into this new chapter (retirement) with great passion and purpose. Travel and your growing family are an important part of your great life – but so is your charitable work. Before we discuss those not for profits, share with our readers what motivates you to be involved with charitable endeavors.

Laura: My guiding motivation is probably similar to many Joseph Group friends and clients. Serving charitable organizations is driven by my desire to shine God’s light. But other factors motivate me as well. Helping an organization to achieve its mission helps me to stay engaged, stimulated, and productive.

There are so many amazing organizations that help to make our communities thrive. Gordon and I tend to be attracted to organizations who have bold visions and strong leadership. It’s always rewarding to support good leadership – that is what keeps me around.

The last thing I would say about motivations is something I’ve had to focus on over the years. Before I say yes, I always force myself to check my ego. Why am I saying yes? This simple self-check has really helped me over the years.

Todd: And for some of our clients who are just stepping into retirement, what advice would you give in how to select an organization to support? There are so many out there – what kind of selection process would you recommend?

Laura: Finding a good volunteer match may take some time but usually new doors open along the way. One opportunity leads to another. My involvement at my church led me to serve on the One Dublin Board, which led me to get involved with an Afghan refugee family which led us to supporting Festa. Gordon signed up to mentor a young boy with a six-month commitment that has turned into a 7-year friendship. They still remain in contact even though the program no longer exists.

My advice is to tap into an organization realizing that the first volunteer experience may feel uncomfortable or unproductive. Many of Joseph Group clients have spent their entire careers with professional, highly structured organizations. Non-profit organizations may or may not be as efficiently structured which can affect a volunteer experience. Just know that there ARE well-run non-profits that value your time, talent, and treasure.

Recently, my personal mantra has been “it’s okay to be uncomfortable” which can be easier said than done. But, putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations on behalf of someone else can be extraordinarily rewarding. Last year I helped an Afghan refugee family get settled and because of the language barrier and cultural differences, there were moments of discomfort. But here I am, sharing with you about this rewarding experience!  Those few moments of discomfort provided a new perspective and some new friendships. (This reminds me of the prison ministry that you’ve shared with us.)

I’ll add that not only is it important to align with an organization’s mission and its leadership vision, but it’s also important to know what tools you are willing to share. If one is a hands-on person, they may like directly serving others. Or, like me, one may enjoy the “business side” of an organization and can help with fundraising, marketing, finance, IT or strategic planning. You may enter doing one thing but find your sweet spot somewhere else. I’ve learned so many new skills throughout the years.

Matt: Ok, let’s start with the Franklin Park & Conservatory. You’ve been involved with that organization for a long time. Please share why and update all of us on new initiatives underway there?

Laura: Franklin Park Conservatory is my happy place. I’ve served in volunteer leadership positions since 2009. It’s where people of all ages, interests and abilities can go for a friendly dose of nature. We need nature to thrive, and today’s Botanical Gardens do amazing work of celebrating nature through horticulture education, community outreach and displayed beauty. The Conservatory has just unveiled a new 25-year Master Plan that focuses on the Conservatory as a premier botanical garden destination. The plan not only includes a needed renovation of the Palm House and Showhouse but also creatively repositions a visitor friendly Entrance that will overlook the Palm House and new immersive gardens. The Plan surprises – in a good way – and stakeholder and community feedback has been fun to receive. As I think about it, the Conservatory is a wonderful place to explore volunteer and philanthropic interests. It’s a community asset that is always seeking all types of interested help, whether its gardening, education or advocacy.

Todd: Wonderful. Let’s move on to One Dublin. Our readers might be surprised to learn of such an organization in that area of Columbus. Tell us about its work and why you’ve chosen to get involved.

Laura: You’re right, some people don’t realize the needs of some Dublin students and families. The Dublin School district expands beyond the city of Dublin. In fact, 40% of Dublin students live outside of the city of Dublin. Isn’t that surprising? Even more interesting is that Dublin School students speak 78 different languages! One Dublin helps students, individual or families living within the School District. It is a tremendous resource for school counselors, clergy, and social service agencies when families come to them needing temporary assistance. One Dublin offers an Emergency Household Assistance fund where it may pay a utility bill, a medical bill, or help with transportation costs … any of those emergency expenses that can put a family into a financial tailspin. It also provides school supplies, facilitates community gift giving during the Holidays, provides free mattresses and bedding and runs a Community Free Shop full of clothing and personal necessities. Gordon and I believe supporting One Dublin is a way of helping an entire community, not just a few families. When a student is clothed appropriately, gets a good night’s sleep and has electricity to do his/her homework, he/she is more likely to thrive at school which ultimately helps an entire community.

Matt: So important to support organizations like One Dublin – thank you! Let’s close with Festa. Share with our readers what this organization does and why you’ve chosen to get involved.

Laura: Festa came to my attention years ago but as I became involved with helping an Afghan Refugee family get settled, I was deeply inspired by the work of Festa. Festa has a highly successful 3 Generation Family English As A Second Language (ESL) program. This model of learning helps the whole family to learn English, meeting each person at their level of need. It is clear to me that a working knowledge of the English language is pivotal for employment and transportation which are key predictors for families to thrive. Along with a few good friends, I helped to bring Festa ESL to Dublin. In its first 7-month-long program, 443 people enrolled in the program! I attended an evening ESL class where students were learning the correct use of pronouns. It was a joyful, often funny, experience. Festa has an aggressive growth plan for Central Oho and we believe it is an organization worthy of our support.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share our charitable passions. As you mentioned in your introduction, Gordon and I are well into retirement travel and now are enjoying two granddaughters who live out of state. One added beauty of volunteering is that it allows you full control of your schedule and availability. It’s a win-win for all.

Matt: Laura, thank you for sharing with our readers your desire to improve our central Ohio community in such important areas. Your desire to make an impact is something many of our clients share and you’ve given all of us some great insights on how to choose carefully and then find great fulfillment in the support we provide. I’m grateful for your example!